In Colossians two, Paul highlights that on the cross Christ overcame all structures and systems, all powers and authorities.

A new dominion

In His resurrection and ascension, we are also raised into a new realm and a new way of being. We are also raised to a new dominion, where the only power and authority, expression of worship and declaration of Truth, is God’s. The principles of heaven always are, always have been, and always will be. They will never fade and never end, unlike the principles of this world, which are all destined to perish, with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings.

'Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.'

In danger of cheapening God's grace

However, If we were to stop reading the book of Colossians at this point and say ‘I see, so God threw away the rule book’, then we would be in danger of cheapening the generosity of God’s grace, and the power of the cross. Whilst the cross did change everything in that now we can freely approach and relate to God without ritual or works, the cross also highlighted a few rules:

1.There is full equality at the cross - for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God

2.If you want to come to God the Father, the only way is through Jesus the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit - 'I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father but by me.' (John 14:6)

3.Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind, and love your neighbour as yourself.

In this letter, Paul also highlighted these rules

2.In Colossians 1:21-22 he says: 'Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your mind because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.'

3.This is perhaps the area that humanity struggles with the most. There is direct symmetry between the Old Testament and New Testament rules for how we should live as God designed us to live. Whilst human nature is hedonistically and selfishly concerned with personal achievements and desires (see Col 3:5-9), heaven’s nature is exclusively concerned with demonstrating love and generosity to others (see Col 3:12-17). It was in Christ’s perfect generosity and loving sacrifice on the cross that God demonstrated heaven’s unselfish and benevolent nature in its complete form.

Bible Reflections

Every week, in hundreds of churches and Christian organisations across the UK,
leaders and congregations wrestle with the bible to determine both its meaning and
application for our lives today. This website aims to bring together this material
— both in written and spoken word — in
a way that is structured and easily accessible.